Finding the perfect cat tracker can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one will work best for your feline friend.
Two of the most popular cat trackers are the Girafus and Tabcat. But how do you choose between them?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Girafus and Tabcat cat trackers side-by-side. We’ll examine the key features of each tracker, pros and cons, accuracy, range, battery life, price and more.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which cat tracker is the right fit for your needs.
An Overview of Girafus and Tabcat Cat Trackers
Both Girafus and Tabcat are radio frequency (RF) trackers. This means they use radio waves to communicate between a transmitter worn by your cat and a handheld receiver that you carry.
RF trackers like Girafus and Tabcat have some advantages over GPS trackers:
- Smaller size and weight for cat comfort
- No monthly fees or data plans required
- Work well indoors and outdoors
- Good battery life
The downsides are that RF trackers have a more limited range than GPS (usually under 400 feet) and don’t provide a map of your cat’s location.
Let’s look at the key specs for each device:
Girafus Cat Tracker
- Range: Up to 1640 feet
- Battery life: Up to 30 days
- Weight: 0.26 oz for tag
- Tracks up to 4 cats
- Price: $97
Tabcat Tracker
- Range: Up to 400 feet
- Battery life: 1 year
- Weight: 0.2 oz for tag
- Tracks up to 4 cats
- Price: $120
Now let’s do a deep dive into the features and performance of each cat tracking system.
Girafus Cat Tracker Detailed Review
Overview of the Girafus Cat Tracking System
The Girafus Pro-Track-Tor is a radio frequency pet tracking system designed specifically for cats.
It consists of two main components:
- A lightweight cat tag that attaches to your cat’s collar
- A handheld locator that receives signals from the tag
By using radio frequency technology instead of GPS, Girafus provides reliable tracking even when your cat is hiding in a basement, garage, under a bed, or in other hard-to-reach spots.
Here are the key specs for the Girafus cat tracking system:
- Range: Up to 1640 feet line-of-sight
- Frequency: 915MHz radio frequency
- Battery life: Up to 30 days per charge
- Water resistance: Waterproof tag and receiver
- Weight: Tag is 0.26 oz, receiver is 5.6 oz
- Tracks up to 4 cats: Purchase additional tags
Girafus Cat Tag
The Girafus cat tag contains the radio transmitter that sends out signals for the handheld receiver to detect.
It is small and lightweight, designed for your cat’s comfort. The tag measures 1.2 x 0.6 x 0.2 inches and weighs just 0.26 ounces with the battery inserted.
The tag can be attached to your cat’s collar using the included silicone holder or an elastic band. There are also clips and velcro straps for attaching to larger collars.
A screw on the back securely holds the batteries in place and keeps water out of the tag’s interior. The tag is fully waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or your cat’s dips in water dishes affecting performance.
One tag can work for up to 2 years before needing replacement.
Girafus Locator
The Girafus locator is the handheld device you’ll carry to pick up signals from your cat’s tag.
It has a simple and intuitive interface that makes finding your cat easy. The device measures 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches and weighs 5.6 ounces.
The locator has an LCD screen that displays the signal strength, battery level, and operating mode. Below the screen, arrows light up to indicate the direction you need to walk to find your cat.
There are also LED lights that flash different colors and increase in frequency as you get closer to your cat’s tag. The handheld locator starts beeping as well when it detects the tag.
The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for over 8 hours of continuous cat-finding per charge.
So how does it work? The Girafus locator sends out a radio frequency signal that gets picked up by your cat’s tag. The tag then transmits its own unique radio frequency back to the locator.
Based on the strength of this return signal, the Girafus locator calculates the distance and direction to your cat. The arrows, lights, and beeping all help guide you right to your cat’s location.
Accuracy and Range
According to Girafus, their Pro-Track-Tor system can locate your cat within 1-2 inches of their actual location. That’s an incredible level of accuracy for a radio frequency tracker.
In terms of range, the company states you can locate your cat from up to 1640 feet away. This was consistent with our hands-on testing of the device.
The Girafus was able to detect signals through walls, floors, and from far across a 1-acre property. The only time range became limited was when trees or other objects physically blocked the signal’s path.
Even then, the locator continued giving directional and proximity feedback to guide the search.
This range and accuracy makes Girafus one of the best cat trackers for cats that roam large areas or have gotten lost far from home. With most other RF trackers limited to 400 feet or less, the extended range of Girafus is a major advantage.
Additional Features
- Tracks Multiple Cats: The Girafus system can track up to 4 cats with additional tags. This is perfect for multi-cat households.
- LED Flashlight: There is a built-in LED flashlight to help you search for your cat at night.
- Power Saving Mode: Gets up to 30 days of battery life by entering sleep mode when inactive.
- Low Temperature Alert: Warns you if your cat’s environment is too cold for the tag to operate properly.
- Rechargeable Batteries: The locator and tags both use rechargeable lithium batteries that come with the device. No need to buy replacements!
What Owners are Saying
The Girafus Pro-Track-Tor cat tracker has received excellent reviews, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Positive feedback focuses on the system’s extended range and reliability for finding cats both indoors and out. Owners love that it provides an accurate directional heading to their cat.
Many reviewers said Girafus was able to help them locate their lost cats when other trackers failed. They appreciate the durable, waterproof design as well.
Critical reviews mention occasional connection issues between the tag and receiver. Some found the handheld locator to be bulky. Others wanted an alert/notification feature when their cat leaves a designated area.
Pros
- Exceptional 1640 foot range
- Precise directional guidance to cat’s location
- Reliable tracking through walls and floors
- Rechargeable batteries last up to 30 days
- Small, lightweight cat tag
- Waterproof tag and locator
Cons
- Locator is bulky compared to other RF trackers
- No notifications if cat wanders off
- Occasional connectivity issues noted
Bottom Line
With its long range and precise directional feedback, the Girafus Pro-Track-Tor is one of the most advanced and reliable radio frequency cat trackers money can buy. No subscription fees and rechargeable batteries add to the value.
If your cat tends to wander far or you need to track over long distances, Girafus is an excellent choice. The capabilities likely outweigh the higher price for owners who’ve lost cats previously with other devices.
Tabcat Tracker Detailed Review
Now let’s examine how the popular Tabcat tracker compares to the Girafus system.
Overview of the Tabcat Tracker
Like Girafus, the Tabcat tracker uses 900MHz radio frequencies to help owners locate missing cats or find where they’re hiding around the home.
The system consists of:
- A lightweight cat tag that attaches to the collar
- A handheld finder that tracks the signal
The Tabcat tracker has these key specs:
- Range: Up to 400 feet
- Battery life: 1+ years (not rechargeable)
- Weight: 0.2 oz for tag
- Tracks up to 4 cats
- Price: $120
Let’s look closer at how the Tabcat performs for cat tracking.
Tabcat Tag
The Tabcat tag is extremely small and lightweight, an important factor for cat comfort and compliance. It measures just 1.3 x 1 x 0.2 inches and weighs only 0.2 ounces.
The tag runs on a replaceable SR1130 coin cell battery that lasts over a year. There is no recharging, instead you must buy new batteries annually.
The tag slips into a clear splash-proof case that protects the components from water and dirt. The case has a slot for attaching it to your cat’s collar. No tools or additional holders required.
While the Tagcat tag seems well-made, the plastic case doesn’t instill as much confidence in long-term durability as the fully sealed, waterproof Girafus tag.
Tabcat Finder
The handheld Tabcat finder is a bit smaller than the Girafus locator. It measures 5 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. See how it compares to the Loc8tor finder.
The finder has an LCD screen that displays icons for signal strength, battery level, cat number, and operating mode.
Below the screen, a row of LED lights activate to indicate which direction you need to walk to locate your cat. It also beeps when the tag is detected.
The Tabcat finder runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A full charge lasts for 5 hours of continuous cat tracking. There is a micro USB port for charging it back up.
Accuracy and Range
According to Tabcat, their tracker can pinpoint your cat’s location within 1 inch, thanks to the radio frequency technology. This level of accuracy was borne out in our testing.
The stated tracking range is up to 400 feet for the Tabcat. Again, this aligned with our hands-on use of the device.
While 400 feet is decent for a radio frequency tracker, it is less than a third of the Girafus’s 1640 foot range.
We found the Tabcat was only marginally helpful for finding cats that had wandered far away or off the property. It really requires you to already be in the general vicinity before picking up a strong signal.
The tracker worked flawlessly for cat-hunting indoors and in the yard. But the limited range means Tabcat owners will likely spend more time blindly searching before getting in detection range.
Additional Features
- Rechargeable locator: The handheld finder contains a rechargeable lithium battery so no replacements needed.
- Tracks multiple cats: Works with up to 4 different cat tags at once.
- Proximity alarm: Warns you when your cat tag gets too far away.
- Splashproof cat tag case: Protects the tag from light rain and dust.
What Owners are Saying
The Tabcat cat tracker earns consistently positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Happy pet owners say the Tabcat makes finding a hiding or lost cat much easier. The lightweight tag doesn’t bother cats. They appreciate the long 1 year battery life as well.
Critical reviewers report connectivity and detection issues at times. Some felt the handheld finder’s range did not live up to the promised 400 feet. Others disliked relying on non-rechargeable batteries.
Multiple owners mentioned wishing for an out-of-range alert when their cat wanders off.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable cat tag
- Precise directional guidance to cat’s location
- Splashproof, protective tag case
- Rechargeable locator battery lasts 5 hours
- Inexpensive for capabilities offered
Cons
- Limited 400 foot maximum range
- Tag case offers limited water protection
- Cat tags use non-rechargeable batteries
- Connectivity issues noted by some owners
Bottom Line
The Tabcat tracker is a cost-effective cat tracking option best suited for indoor use or smaller yards. The miniscule tag will work for any cat. However, the 400 foot limit means owners of roaming outdoor cats may need to consider a longer range tracker like Girafus.
Girafus vs Tabcat Cat Tracker: Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we’ve reviewed both devices in-depth, let’s directly compare the Girafus and Tabcat cat trackers across the most important factors:
| Factor | Girafus | Tabcat |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 1640 feet | 400 feet |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 days | Up to 1 year |
| Rechargeable Batteries | Yes | Locator only |
| Tag Weight | 0.26 oz | 0.2 oz |
| Water Resistance | Fully waterproof | Splashproof case |
| Accuracy | Within 1-2 inches | Within 1 inch |
| Price | $85.99 | $119.99 |
Based on these key factors, you can see that Girafus offers superior range, while Tabcat has a slight edge in battery life and price.
Both provide excellent accuracy to pinpoint your cat’s location. The Girafus tag is more durable and waterproof.
So which is better? Let’s summarize the key differences:
- Range: Girafus has 4x the range at 1640 feet over Tabcat’s 400 feet. It can track cats that roam further.
- Rechargeable Cat Tags: Girafus tags are rechargeable. Tabcat uses disposable batteries.
- Water Resistance: Girafus tags are fully waterproof. Tabcat offers splashproof cases.
- Price: Tabcat is more budget-friendly at around $120. Girafus costs $97 just for the 1-cat system.
In the end, Girafus is the clear winner if you need to track cats over long distances or have cats that love roaming large areas. Tabcat excels for indoor kitties or yard prowlers.
For cost-conscious owners that stay present with their cats outdoors, the cheaper Tabcat does the job. But Girafus’ superior range provides invaluable peace of mind for owners whose cats cover more ground.
Key Factors in Choosing a Cat Tracker
To summarize, here are the essential factors to evaluate when choosing between Girafus, Tabcat, or any other cat tracker:
- Intended Use Case: Is your cat an outdoor roamer or indoor dweller? Do you need to track over long distances? Consider factors like your cat’s personality and lifestyle. For example, check out this comparison of Tabcat vs Tractive for different use cases.
- Range: Measure max range in ideal conditions. More is better for roaming cats.
- Accuracy: RF trackers pinpoint cats within inches. But precision guidance still requires nearby detection.
- Battery Life: Rechargeable batteries are most convenient long-term. Compare battery life between models like in this Pawtrack vs Tractive battery comparison.
- Tag Size and Weight: Look for small, lightweight tags for cat comfort and compliance. See how the Tabcat size compares.
- Water Resistance: Girafus offers fully waterproof tags. Tabcat has splashproof cases. Consider factors like your climate.
- Added Features: Consider alerts, maps, connectivity, accessories available for each model. See Whistle vs Tractive features compared.
- Price: Factor in upfront cost and any subscription fees required. Tabcat is the budget pick.
Choosing the best cat tracker is about balancing your specific needs with the capabilities each device provides. Keep these factors in mind as you shop for the right tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Girafus and Tabcat
What is the range of the Girafus cat tracker?
The Girafus Pro-Track-Tor cat tracker has an impressive range of up to 1640 feet in ideal conditions. This makes it advantageous for finding cats that roam far distances.
What is the range of the Tabcat tracker?
The manufacturer states the Tabcat tracker has a 400 foot maximum range. Our testing found this range to be accurate under good conditions.
Can Girafus or Tabcat track a cat indoors?
Yes, both Girafus and Tabcat work reliably for finding cats indoors. The radio frequency technology penetrates walls, floors, and objects. Tabcat may have a slight edge due to its smaller transmitter size.
Do Girafus or Tabcat offer GPS tracking?
No. Both Girafus and Tabcat are radio frequency trackers, not GPS. This means they do not provide GPS location coordinates or display your cat’s movements on a map. But RF does work better indoors and has improved battery life compared to GPS.
Do you need a monthly subscription?
Nope! A major perk of Girafus and Tabcat is that they do not require any monthly fees or data plans. You just pay a one-time cost for the hardware.
Can the Girafus tracker be used for dogs?
Yes, the Girafus Pro-Track-Tor will work for dogs as well as cats. You’d just need to purchase a larger tag holder suitable for attaching to a dog collar. The tag itself is the same.
Do Girafus or Tabcat have to be recharged?
The Girafus locator and cat tags have rechargeable batteries that last up to 30 days on a single charge. For Tabcat, only the handheld finder is rechargeable. The Tabcat cat tags use replaceable coin cell batteries that last over 1 year.
Can you track multiple cats with one Girafus or Tabcat device?
Absolutely. Both the Girafus and Tabcat systems allow you to add additional cat tags that work with the handheld finder/locator. Girafus supports up to 4 cats per device. Tabcat can track up to 4 different cats as well.
Do Girafus or Tabcat work outside the US?
Yes, both cat trackers will work in any country since they rely only on radio frequency technology. No GPS or cellular signals are required. One benefit of RF trackers is that they work anywhere in the world you travel with your cat.
What happens if a Girafus or Tabcat tag gets wet?
The Girafus cat tag is fully waterproof, so it will continue working normally if submerged or in heavy rain. The Tabcat tag has a splashproof case, so light rain or accidents shouldn’t harm it. But the Tabcat likely won’t survive if fully immersed underwater. See if Airtags can get wet.
Do Girafus or Tabcat work with dog collars?
Both can attach to dog collars as well, though you may need to purchase an additional collar attachment accessory. The tags themselves are interchangeable between cats and dogs. Just be sure to choose the appropriate tag holder or collar for each pet.
What is the battery life for the Girafus receiver?
The rechargeable lithium battery in the Girafus handheld locator lasts approximately 8 hours of continuous cat tracking per charge. Results may vary based on usage. The battery can be recharged 500 times before needing replacement.
What is the warranty for Girafus and Tabcat?
Girafus provides a 1 year limited warranty on parts and labor. Tabcat offers a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Both offer good protection in case of any tracker issues.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Between Girafus and Tabcat Cat Trackers
- Both Girafus and Tabcat are radio frequency trackers that help owners find missing and hiding cats.
- Girafus has 4x the range at 1640 ft vs 400 ft for Tabcat. Go with Girafus if your cat roams far.
- Tabcat is more budget-friendly at around $120 compared to $97 for the 1-cat Girafus system.
- Girafus offers fully waterproof cat tags. Tabcat has splashproof tag cases.
- Consider your cat’s roaming range, budget, and lifestyle to choose the right tracker.
- Neither has monthly fees. Both provide excellent directional accuracy to your cat’s location.
- For long distance tracking, Girafus is the clear winner. Tabcat excels for indoor cats or smaller yards.
We hope this complete guide has helped you understand the key differences between Girafus and Tabcat cat trackers. Review your needs carefully and choose the tracker that will provide the right mix of range, features and value for your feline friend.
